Standards & Legislation

India calls for mandatory product expiry dates on food packaging

INDIA – The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is considering setting a new standard that will make it mandatory for product expiry dates to be printed on food packaging, unless industry self-regulates.

In a bid to enhance food safety, FSSAI has started looking into label information on food packages. Currently, packaging suggest a ‘best before’ date but not only is this not mandatory, it is also inadequate, according to a FSSAI official quoted by local newspaper Economic Times.

"The 'best before' date on the label indicates diminished nutritive value of the food product, which is still safe for consumption. However, for how long will it stay safe to consume after the 'best-before date' is not known," the official said. "By clearly stating the expiry date on the label, the safety of the consumer will be taken care of as the 'best before' date will always precede the expiry date. The 'best before' date can then be made optional."